Panasonic FH27 vs Sony HX5

Following is a extended assessment of the Panasonic FH27 and Sony HX5, both Small Sensor Compact digital cameras by brands Panasonic and Sony. There exists a huge gap between the image resolutions of the FH27 (16MP) and HX5 (10MP) and the FH27 (1/2.3") and HX5 (1/2.4") provide totally different sensor size.

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The FH27 was manufactured 7 months after the HX5 which means that they are of a similar generation. Both of these cameras have the same body design (Compact).

Before going right into a in-depth comparison, here is a quick summary of how the FH27 matches up against the HX5 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH27 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX5. The entire galleries are available at Panasonic FH27 Gallery and Sony HX5 Gallery.

If you are intending to carry around your camera frequently, you will want to factor its weight and measurements. The Panasonic FH27 enjoys external dimensions of 99mm x 57mm x 28mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.1") along with a weight of 152 grams (0.34 lbs) and the Sony HX5 has proportions of 102mm x 58mm x 29mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.1") accompanied by a weight of 200 grams (0.44 lbs).

Examine the Panasonic FH27 and Sony HX5 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you choose at that time. The following is a front view over all size comparison of the FH27 compared to the HX5.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the FH27 and HX5 is 94 and 92 respectively.

Normally, it's difficult to visualise the gap between sensor sizes purely by going over specs. The pic here will give you a far better sense of the sensor dimensions in the FH27 and HX5.

All in all, the two cameras have different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The FH27 because of its larger sensor will make shooting shallower depth of field easier and the Panasonic FH27 will offer you more detail due to its extra 6MP. Greater resolution will also allow you to crop photos a bit more aggressively. The more modern FH27 will have a benefit with regard to sensor technology.